French translation of aback is 
par surprise

Meaning of "aback" in English

The word "aback" is an adverb used predominantly in the phrase "taken aback," which means to be surprised or startled by something unexpected. It conveys a sense of shock or astonishment, often due to an unforeseen event or revelation. The term originates from nautical language, where it described a sail that was pressed backward against the mast by the wind, rendering the ship momentarily off-course and unsteady. In everyday use, "aback" continues to suggest a figurative moment of imbalance or surprise.

Meaning of "par surprise" in French

"Par surprise" in French translates to "by surprise" in English and is used to describe an action or event occurring unexpectedly, catching someone off guard. It is often applied in contexts where someone is confronted with something unforeseen, much like being startled or taken aback. The phrase can be used in various situations, from personal interactions to events impacting a larger audience. Whether in literature, conversation, or media, "par surprise" conveys an element of surprise or shock.

Pronunciation of "aback" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [əˈbak].

Pronunciation Variations: In most English-speaking regions, "aback" is pronounced consistently with slight variations in accent, often depending on the speaker's regional dialect. The emphasis generally remains on the second syllable, with the first syllable pronounced more softly.

Pronunciation of "par surprise" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [paʁ syʁˈpʁiz].

Pronunciation Variations: In French-speaking regions, the pronunciation of "par surprise" remains largely consistent. The primary variation may depend on the speaker's regional accent, with minor differences in articulation. However, the general pronunciation tends to be uniform among native speakers.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. He was taken aback by her sudden arrival. (Il a été pris par surprise par son arrivée soudaine.)
2. The news left her completely aback. (La nouvelle l'a laissée complètement par surprise.)
3. I was aback at his unexpected generosity. (J'ai été pris par surprise par sa générosité inattendue.)
4. The CEO was aback when the merger was announced. (Le PDG a été pris par surprise lorsque la fusion a été annoncée.)
5. His bold statement caught everyone aback. (Sa déclaration audacieuse a pris tout le monde par surprise.)
6. She stood aback at the unexpected turn of events. (Elle est restée par surprise face au tour inattendu des événements.)
7. The results took the researchers aback. (Les résultats ont pris les chercheurs par surprise.)
8. We were all aback by the sudden change in policy. (Nous avons tous été pris par surprise par le changement soudain de politique.)
9. The question left him momentarily aback. (La question l'a momentanément pris par surprise.)
10. The critics were aback by the quality of the performance. (Les critiques ont été pris par surprise par la qualité de la performance.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "aback" in English

Synonyms: surprised, astonished, startled, amazed, shocked.

Antonyms: unsurprised, expected, anticipated, forewarned, prepared.

Similar Words: flabbergasted, stunned, bewildered, astounded, perplexed.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "par surprise" in French

Synonyms: à l'improviste, de façon inattendue, soudainement, sans prévenir, inopinément.

Antonyms: délibérément, intentionnellement, consciemment, volontairement, prévisiblement.

Similar Words: subitement, brusquement, inopinément, imprévu, étonnement.

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